Russia - Golden Ring Tour Itinerary

Russia - Golden Ring Tour Itinerary
REF: EURUS1
VERSION: 6

Duration:	8 days - Moscow to St Petersburg
Countries Visited:	Russia
Age Guide:	18-55 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Transport, Train, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (7 Nights)
What's Included:	7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Arrival Transfer - Escorted Tour - Local English Speaking Guides - City Tours - Moscow, Suzdal, St Petersburg - Train Moscow to St Petersburg - Visa Support Letter
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Russia - Moscow - Kremlin - Red Square - St Basil’s Cathedral - St Sergius Lavra - Vladimir - Suzdal - Suzdal City Tour - Suzdal Red Square - Museum of Wooden Architecture - St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace & Park - Peter & Paul Fortress - St Isaac’s Cathedral - Hermitage Museum
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Joining Hotel:	Holiday Inn Lesnaya Hotel 15 Lesnaya Street Moscow Russia Tel: +7 495 7836505
Introduction:	The Golden Ring is a ring of cities northeast of Moscow, and one of Russia’s oldest routes. Moscow is a city of oriental irregularity and bizarre beauty, an eastern exotic transplanted to the west. After exploring this fascinating capital, we head to the ancient towns of Vladimir and Suzdal, the jewels of the Golden Ring, where we find unique monuments of Russian architecture dating back to the 12th century. We explore the Kremlins, convents and museums of these picturesque towns, and see many examples of the onion domes for which Russia is famous. Then it is on to the beautiful city of St Petersburg, the “Northern Venice” and former capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years. We tour Peterhof Palace, the former summer residence of the Russian Tsars, and then wander around the historic centre of St Petersburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overflowing with palaces, cathedrals, beautiful bridges over canals, spacious squares and wide streets.
Day 1:	Moscow. You will be met at the airport and transferred by private car to the hotel. Please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight details to enable us to organise the transfer. The pre departure meeting will be held at 6pm at the meeting hotel. This will give you the chance to meet your guide, and fellow travellers. If time allows, there will be a guided excursion on the Moscow Subway. The first line of Moscow metro was opened in 1935 and connected 13 stations. Nowadays the metro has 150 stations and it is considered the most beautiful in the world. Many of its stations look like palaces and boast marble columns, sculptures, inlays, stained-glass windows and other decorations. The metro is the main means of transportation in Moscow.
Day 2:	Moscow. After breakfast, we visit the Kremlin, the oldest part of Moscow. You might be surprised at just how many buildings are contained within the walls. 15th century cathedrals, the bell-tower, the Patriarch’s Palace, the Grand Kremlin Palace and of course the richest museum of all – the Armoury. While St Petersburg houses Russia’s main art collection, the Armoury houses its Imperial insignia, weapons, armour, ornate clothes, ceremonial harness and a unique collection of imperial carriages. There is also the 17th century throne of Aleksey Romanov, covered with a mosaic of turquoises and 900 diamonds, the phelonion of Metropolitan Platon, decorated with 150,000 pearls and a few of the famous Faberge eggs. In the afternoon, we continue with our city tour which includes a visit to Red Square. Originally a commercial centre, Red Square has been at the very centre of Russian history since the 15th century. Encompassing an area of over 70,000 sq m, it is bounded by the Kremlin walls, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Historical Museum and GUM department store, the shopping arcade that was completed in 1893. From the time of Ivan the Great the square was used as a huge gathering place for public events, markets, fairs and festivals and over the centuries it has witnessed Ivan the Terrible’s confession of his misdeeds to the people in 1550, great demonstrations, executions and the extravagant parades of the Soviet Union’s military might. At the southern end of Red Square is the almost fairy-tale like building of St Basil’s Cathedral. Commissioned in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate his conquering of Kazan, legend has it that the architect was later blinded so that he could never replicate such a beautiful building. Built of brick and comprising many colourful asymmetrical helmet and onion domes which sit above nine chapels, the interior is full of 16th and 17th century icons and frescoes of subtle blues and pinks. If time allows you can stroll through the State Department Store (GUM). At the end of the city tour you will drive up to the Moscow State University and stop at the observation platform on Sparrow hills which gives a wonderful panoramic view of the city . (B)
Day 3:	Moscow via Sergiev Posad, Vladimir to Suzdal. Today, accompanied by a private guide, you depart by private vehicle for the culturally oldest part of Russia – the Golden Ring. Set amongst lakes and rivers and forming a circle which extends north-east of Moscow, these old Russian towns played an important role in the history of the Russian State, both in its early period, when the Russian lands and principalities were being united under the sway of Moscow, and later, when the independence of the country was at stake. While the architectural monuments of these towns are the stone chronicles of the country’s history, it is also an area which has preserved many old artistic traditions particularly the painting of the beautiful lacquer boxes for which Russia is so famous. Life here is completely different from the big cities and for an opportunity to see true Russia, this is a tour worth taking. In the morning we drive to Sergiev Posad, (the Holy-Trinity St. Sergius Lavra), formerly Zagorsk, one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of early Russian religious buildings. The great Monastery, founded in the 14th century, includes the 15th century Cathedral of the Trinity as well as the spectacular blue and gold Cathedral of the Assumption and other smaller churches all of which appear on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sergiev Posad remained the seat of the Patriarchate throughout Soviet times and continues to be a ‘functioning’ monastery. After lunch at the local restaurant we drive to Vladimir. Situated 230 km (143 miles) from Moscow, Vladimir was founded in 1108 by Prince Vladimir Monomakh as a frontier fortress guarding the northeast of his domain. It reached its zenith in the 12th century when it was chosen as his capital by Prince Andrey Bogolubsky and who then strengthened its defences and welcomed architects, icon-painters and jewellers. You will visit the Assumption cathedral (1160) that was so richly decorated it was compared with the Temple of Solomon and for centuries it served as Russia's principal cathedral where all princes of Vladimir and Moscow were crowned until 1440. (B,L)
Day 4:	Suzdal. Suzdal is situated on the river Kamenka, just 35 km (22 miles) north from Vladimir. Here you will find more than 50 examples of church and secular architecture dating from the mid-12th to the mid-18th century. As early as 990, Prince Valdimir of Kiev came to Suzdal and established a missionary bishop here who later built the first church and the town was first mentioned in chronicles of 1024. Until the middle of the 11th century it was, however, nothing more than a small settlement and several of the streets still retain names derived from the old Slavic gods – Yarunova Street and Kupala Street among them. The town is still one of the major religious centres of the northern Russia. After lunch in local restaurant we continue our sightseeing tour with an afternoon visit to the Museum of Wooden Architecture, Kideksha (B,L)
Day 5:	Suzdal to Moscow to St Petersburg. After checking out of the hotel, we drive back to Moscow arriving at approximately 1.30pm. We then take the train to St. Petersburg which departs at about 4.30pm, arriving at approxcimately 9.15pm. We transfer to the hotel for check in. (B)
Day 6:	St Petersburg. Lying on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, Peterhof or “Peter’s Court”, was built by Peter the Great in 1715 and is a former summer residence of the Russian Tsars. Famous for its magnificent cascades, fountains, gilded statues and extensive formal gardens this glorious palace is a firm favourite with both Russians and foreigners alike. Within the palace grounds are a number of buildings, the Grand Palace (Russian Versailles), now a vast museum of lavish rooms and galleries, Monplaisir, Peter’s outwardly more humble villa, the Grand Cascade, the centre piece of the palace grounds with over 140 fountains, the Marly Palace and Alexandria Park. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the population of St Petersburg was invited to dine here at a great summer fete held every year. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 7:	St Petersburg. In the morning you will have a chance to get acquainted with one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg remains one of the most romantic cities in Russia. Of the many poetical names applied, the most common are “Northern Venice” and “Northern Palmyra”. The fascinating palaces and cathedrals, beautiful bridges over Venice-like canals, spacious squares and wide streets, monumental sculpture and lacy iron grilles and, of course, the special spirituality of the city which infects all visitors. In 1991 the city was placed on the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. With the world famous Hermitage on the banks of the Neva river, the city is Russia’s most popular destination, drawing visitors from all over the world throughout the year. We begin the tour with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress. Standing on a small island at the centre of the Neva Delta, the fortress was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and is the oldest building in the city. Up until 1917 the fortress was mainly used for the incarceration of political prisoners who have included Dostoyevsky, Lenin’s brother and Peter the Great’s own son Alexei. At the heart of the fortress is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, with its landmark gold spire, where most of Russia’s Tsars were buried. On the other side of the river Neva, the weighty mass of St. Isaac's Cathedral dominates the skyline. Its gilded dome, covered with 100 kg of pure gold, soars over 100 meters into the air, making it visible far out onto the Gulf of Finland and is the third largest cathedral in the world. In the afternoon we continue our tour. The Hermitage is undoubtedly the largest museum of the world, possessing over 3 million exhibits within its four buildings and attracting around 3 million visitors a year. The exhibitions are diverse with works by Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt, an impressive collection of impressionists and the largest collection of Titians in existence. The main building of this complex is the Winter Palace built between 1754 - 1762, which was once the main residence of the Tsars. It was founded in 1764 when Catherine the Great purchased a collection of 255 paintings from Berlin. (B)
Day 8:	St Petersburg. The tour ends after breakfast today. (B)
Finishing Point:	Ibis Hotel Ligovsky Prospekt 54 St Petersburg 191040 Russia Tel: +7 812 622 0100 Fax: +7 812 622 0101
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as unpredictable climate, road conditions of the local area, festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly.
What's not included:	All optional excursions, visas and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre-Departure Information:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6 pm on DAY ONE of your tour. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your tour leader and fellow passengers. In addition the tour leader will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents and insurance for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Travel Voucher. 3. Travel Insurance Policy.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka free phone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information. No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance and you will be asked to purchase a Kumuka policy if you do not have travel insurance.
Passports:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing or kept in a safety deposit box at your hotel. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour.
Visa requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Russia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. A Visa Support Letter will be provided, but to do this you must provide Kumuka with your full Passport details, and exact travel dates. It is recommended that you provide Kumuka with a copy of your Passport which will ensure that exact details are used to obtain the letter. If any information is provided incorrectly, then a charge will be made to reissue the Visa Letter. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Europe, however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader or representative and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Security:	Europe, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items.
Money:	We recommend an average of €40-50 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. The official monetary unit in Russia is the ruble. It is recommended to take US Dollars or Euros. These can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and kiosks. Major Russian cities have ATM machines to withdraw cash, and many restaurants/shops will accept credit cards. It is not recommended to take traveller’s checques with you to Russia.
Tipping:	Tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. It is customary to tip for services received, however, not compulsory. Tipping is done at your discretion.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Because of limited luggage space on transfer vehicles, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack the size should be no more than 75cm x 45cm x 25cm and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Personal Effects: Camera & film/digital memory card, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music CDs/Ipod, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. Please note that electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50hz. The plug is two-pin thin European standard. Make sure you bring your own converter, as most places in Russia do not carry them.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe such as covering your shoulders and knees when entering a Catholic church etc.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. One of the best times to travel to Russia is in the summer, which is the rainy season as well. July and August are the warmest months. In winter it is extremely cold, but central heating is common place. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com
Language:	Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Russian cuisine is known all over the world. On assimilating the best culinary traditions of the ancient civilizations of the West and East, Russian cuisine has acquired a distinctive character of its own. The original features and variety of cookery in Russia are largely due to the rich natural gifts of its land – the abundance of fish, mushrooms, berries and honey. Russian cuisine is based on beets, potatoes, cabbage, buckwheat, beef and sturgeon. It is remarkable that many secrets of cookery were revealed and preserved during the early periods of Russian history in monasteries. Orthodox monks created many recipes, which later became pride items in cookbooks. Without any doubts no cuisine in the world can claim a variety of soups as large as that known in Russian cooking. Original and varied, Russian cuisine is famous for exotic soups: u-ha, schi, solyanka and borsch.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation on this tour. You will be staying at comfortable centrally located hotels. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to stay additional nights after the tour, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible.
Optional Activities:	During the tour your Tour Guide may recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. It is against the law to use or be in possession of illegal drugs and substances. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be subject to the local authorities. No refund whatsoever will be returned, should this situation occur. If you are on prescription drugs, then it is advisable to have a note from your doctor confirming this.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE 40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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